Occupation and cervical cancer

Data collected for a multicenter case-control study of invasive cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ of the cervix were analyzed with regard to occupation. Odds ratios comparing 481 invasive cases and 293 carcinoma in situ cases to 801 controls were calculated and adjusted for potential confounding factors. Working women and homemakers had a similar risk of invasive cervical cancer, with several groups of service and industrial workers showing elevated risks (particularly maids, cleaners, and cooks). Risk of carcinoma in situ was slightly increased for working women, but no occupational groups had notable associations. The principal strengths of this analysis were the ability to address both invasive cervical cancer and carcinoma in situ and to control for multiple potential confounding factors. However, occupational information was limited and risk estimates for women in specific occupations were imprecise.